Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Name These U.S. States by Their Shapes?

Olivia Cantor

Image: scibak/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The United States of America is a very diverse and eclectic land. And you can already see that just by looking at a map.

The very extensive map of America is an interesting layout to study for map enthusiasts. One can see the various ways that each state neatly connects to another. And some of the states also have distinguishable shapes that are instantly recognizable, visually, because their borders are formed by rivers, coastlines or other natural geographic features.

The fun of reading the U.S. map also lies in noticing which states border which other states, and how their natural wonders and man-made attractions differ. So if you are planning on a road trip or a train trip across this great nation, then you can see how the states will connect your path for you. And there is always more than one path to exploring this vast and beautiful land.

By looking at the map, you can also see some cultural nuances, both the distinct differences and the cool similarities. Wouldn't it be fun to just explore these sub-regions of the country and see what they all have to offer? So perhaps through this quiz, we can experience that.

Try your luck? Let's go!

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you name this West Coast state?

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

That unmistakable long shape is California. It's like the definitive shape of the West Coast.

miniature/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How about this state?

Georgia

Hawaii

Florida

Idaho

That shape is Florida. It's really sunny there.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you tell which state this is?

Illinois

Alabama

Hawaii

Alaska

This group of islands makes up Hawaii. The Aloha State is a nice place for a vacay.

bubaone/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How about this state?

Arizona

Texas

Arkansas

Kentucky

Who wouldn't recognize the shape of Texas? It's so unique that it stands out!

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How about this state?

Maine

Louisiana

Texas

Wyoming

Wyoming is that square-shaped state. It's so easy to spot, isn't it?

RobinOlimb/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Guess which state this is?

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Rhode Island

That tiny speck with the complex coastline is Rhode Island. Yep, it's there!

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Which state is shown here?

Ohio

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Ohio's shape is like a vampire with its cape all opened up. That, or we vampire lovers watch too many movies!

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you guess this East Coast state?

North Carolina

New York

North Dakota

New Hampshire

New York's outline touches the border of Canada. Remember that! It also borders Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How about this shape?

Tennessee

Texas

Oklahoma

Utah

What does Oklahoma's shape look like to you? For chefs, it might look like a huge butcher knife!

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

This is the shape of what state?

Vermont

North Carolina

North Dakota

Virginia

Virginia's shape is an interesting one. It looks like an elaborate ladies' hat! It's known as the Old Dominion State.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

This shape represents what state?

Ohio

Oklahoma

New Mexico

Oregon

New Mexico's shape is a bit squarish, like some others. But that small extension below it marks the difference. New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment.

hagencd/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What about this shape?

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Oregon

Oregon is just above California. So it's also on the West Coast. Oregon is the Beaver State.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you guess this state?

South Dakota

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Washington State is right above Oregon. The Evergreen State touches Canada's border.

RobinOlimb/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

This shape is what state?

Alaska

Alabama

North Carolina

Arizona

This one is the Old North State. North Carolina's shape resembles a hawk looking to the left. Look closer!

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you identify which state this is?

Arkansas

Indiana

North Dakota

Iowa

North Dakota, the Peace Garden State, is at the top of the country. It touches Canada's border.

jane/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you tell which state this is?

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Montana

Can you see a face in Montana's outline? It's at the left!

miniature/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you state which one this is?

Mississippi

Alabama

Montana

Missouri

The Heart of Dixie is not really found at the heart of the country. Alabama is a bit far from there.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What about this state?

Delaware

Nebraska

Nevada

Georgia

It might be a bit hard to spot Delaware's shape. But the Diamond State is there!

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What about this state?

Hawaii

Idaho

Alaska

Illinois

That sprout-like shape is Alaska indeed. And yes, it's so cold there, always! Alaska borders no other U.S. states - only the country of Canada.

LICreate/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you identify this state?

Indiana

Iowa

Illinois

Connecticut

Contrary to popular belief, Chicago is not the capital city of Illinois. It's Springfield. Illinois is known as the Prairie State.

bubaone/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

This is easy! Which state is this?

Louisiana

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Contrary to popular belief, New Orleans is not the capital of Louisiana. It's Baton Rouge.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Another easy one: Which state is this?

Oregon

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Pennsylvania

The capital of Arkansas, the Natural State, is Little Rock. Can you figure out where it is in that shape?

hagencd/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What state is this one, by the shape of it?

Nevada

Nebraska

Mississippi

New Hampshire

Mississippi is also called the Hospitality State or the Magnolia State. Its capital is Jackson.

miniature/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you tell the state by this shape?

New Jersey

Georgia

New Mexico

Rhode Island

Did you know that Georgia is also called the Empire State of the South? Its capital is Atlanta.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What is this state, judging by the shape?

Alaska

Alabama

Colorado

Arizona

Colorado's capital is Denver. It's also the Centennial State's largest city.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

And this shape is for which state?

Arkansas

Virginia

Iowa

Washington

The Hawkeye State is Iowa. Its capital is Des Moines.

jane/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

This is the shape of which state?

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Maine

Wyoming

Did you know that Maine is also called Vacationland? Yep, it's good for that!

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you name which state is this?

Nevada

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Nevada, the Silver State, is where Las Vegas is located. But its capital is Carson City.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Head over to the East Coast! Where is this?

Tennessee

Texas

Pennsylvania

Utah

Contrary to popular belief, Pennsylvania's capital is not Philadelphia. It's actually Harrisburg. Pennsylvania is the Keystone State.

jane/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Which state shape is shown here?

Vermont

North Dakota

New Jersey

Ohio

New Jersey is such an eclectic and multicultural state. Its capital is Trenton.

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Which state's outline is this?

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Michigan

Did you know that Michigan is also called the Wolverine State? The capital is Lansing.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How about this?

Minnesota

South Carolina

Mississippi

Missouri

That small shape is indeed South Carolina. Its capital is Columbia.

hagencd/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you name this state?

Montana

Nebraska

South Dakota

Michigan

The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. But its largest city is Sioux Falls.

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Identify this one, now!

Illinois

Wisconsin

Indiana

Iowa

Wisconsin's capital is Madison. But its largest city is Milwaukee.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Guess which state this is!

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Nebraska

Nebraska's capital is Lincoln. But its biggest city is Omaha.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

You got this! What is this state?

Andorra

Vermont

Belize

Nebraska

Vermont's capital is Montpelier. But its biggest city is Burlington.

LPETTET/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What’s the name of this state?

Netherlands

Curacao

France

Utah

Do you know why Utah is nicknamed the Mormon State? That's because they founded their church there.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Don’t give up now! What state is this?

Gibraltar

New Hampshire

Morocco

Philippines

Yep, that silhouette is indeed New Hampshire. It's such a lovely state.

bgblue/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

Can you tell what this one is?

Samoa

Iowa

Massachusetts

Ohio

This small state is indeed Massachusetts. But the Pilgrim State is historically big.

bamlou/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

What state is this?

Puerto Rico

Trinidad and Tobago

Kentucky

Missouri

Kentucky's capital is Frankfort. But its largest city is Louisville.

Sponsored Links

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!